Will Cristiano Ronaldo Meet the Saudi Crown Prince at the White House?

Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is set to visit the White House on Thursday, coinciding with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as confirmed by a US official. This marks Ronaldo's first trip to the US since 2016, during which he faced allegations of sexual assault that he has firmly denied. As a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's football league, Ronaldo's presence at the White House adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of sports diplomacy under the crown prince's modernisation efforts.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for his visit to the White House, the meeting has sparked interest due to its timing with the Saudi Crown Prince's official visit. Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is not officially part of the crown prince's delegation, but his influence in the region's sports landscape is undeniable. His visit comes amid Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to reposition itself on the global stage through sports and tourism, a key aspect of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative.

Key takeaways

Cristiano Ronaldo's visit to the White House coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's trip.
Ronaldo has not visited the US since 2016 and faces past allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
His astronomical contract in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s investment in sports for modernisation.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia in early 2023 and the subsequent major financial deals, the timeline of events has included:

2009: Allegation of sexual assault by Kathryn Mayorga against Ronaldo.
2016: Ronaldo's last visit to the US prior to the upcoming trip.
2023: Ronaldo joins Al Nassr with a reported annual salary of $200 million (£152 million).
June 2023: Ronaldo signs a new two-year deal worth an estimated $400 million (£300 million).

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Ronaldo's upcoming visit to the White House has emerged as a significant cultural event, blending sports and politics at a time when Saudi Arabia is keen to enhance its global image through high-profile figures. The meeting has not been officially confirmed as part of the crown prince's delegation, yet Ronaldo's involvement underscores the intertwining of sports and diplomatic relations.

What was already established

Prior to this visit, Ronaldo has faced serious allegations that he has publicly denied, with US prosecutors concluding that there was insufficient evidence to charge him. His financial success in Saudi Arabia has positioned him as a leading ambassador for the country's sports initiatives under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Ronaldo's presence in Saudi Arabia and his visit to the White House could influence perceptions of Saudi tourism, which may affect travel decisions for UK consumers. As the country positions itself as a modern tourist destination, UK residents could see increased promotional efforts aimed at attracting them to Saudi Arabia.

Businesses and jobs

In the realm of sports, Ronaldo's involvement with Al Nassr represents a broader trend of high-profile investments in sports by Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to increased business opportunities in the UK related to sports management, marketing, and tourism. Furthermore, as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, there may be new opportunities for UK businesses seeking to enter the market.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may monitor the evolving relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of sports diplomacy. As Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen ties with Western nations, UK policymakers may consider how these developments affect trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Numbers that matter

£152 million: Ronaldo's reported yearly salary in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the financial power of the Saudi Pro League.
£300 million: Total value of Ronaldo's new two-year contract, which significantly boosts his earnings as a footballer.
1.4 billion: Ronaldo's estimated net worth, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally.

Definitions and jargon buster

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia's strategic plan to reduce its dependence on oil by diversifying its economy, including investments in sports and tourism.
Al Nassr: A prominent Saudi football club based in Riyadh, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
PIF: Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund that invests in various sectors including sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Ronaldo visits the White House, attention will be on any statements made regarding his role in Saudi Arabia's sports initiatives. Observers should watch for discussions about his impact on sports diplomacy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the ramifications of Ronaldo's visit on UK-Saudi relations may become clearer, particularly in terms of tourism and business opportunities. The global sports community will likely assess how his involvement influences perceptions of Saudi Arabia.

Signals to watch

Statements from both Ronaldo and officials regarding the meeting's outcomes.
Future investments by Saudi Arabia in sports and tourism sectors.
Changes in UK travel advisories or promotional campaigns targeting Saudi Arabia.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments in sports diplomacy involving high-profile figures like Ronaldo.
Consider potential travel opportunities to Saudi Arabia as it promotes itself as a tourist destination.
Engage with discussions about the impact of sports on international relations.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of sports figures in diplomacy; they can influence public opinion and policy.
Overlook the implications of financial investments in sports by foreign nations.
Ignore the potential for increased UK-Saudi interactions following high-profile visits.

Checklist

Review news updates regarding Ronaldo's visit and its implications for UK-Saudi relations.
Monitor travel trends and potential promotional offers related to visiting Saudi Arabia.
Stay engaged with the evolving narrative around sports diplomacy and investment opportunities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The context surrounding Ronaldo's visit to the White House is complex, involving past allegations and the broader implications of sports diplomacy. While the financial success of Saudi Arabia's investments in sports is evident, the long-term effectiveness of these strategies remains uncertain. Additionally, the interplay between sports figures and diplomatic relations can lead to unpredictable outcomes, particularly given the volatile nature of international politics.

Bottom line

Ronaldo's visit to the White House represents a significant intersection of sports and diplomacy, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ambitions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As the country continues to invest in its global image, UK readers should consider the potential impacts on tourism, business opportunities, and international relations moving forward.

FAQs

What is the significance of Ronaldo's visit to the White House?

Ronaldo's visit underscores the blending of sports and diplomacy, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance its global image and promote tourism.

Has Ronaldo faced any legal repercussions from past allegations?

Ronaldo has not faced legal charges related to the allegations of sexual assault, as US prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

What are Saudi Arabia's goals with its sports investments?

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil through significant investments in sports and tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.